Letters on Sept. 11 memorial, Obama
Sept. 11 memorial is moving, worthy
I just got back from the East Coast, where I made a point to see the new Freedom Tower and National September 11 Memorial Museum. It’s been 13 years since those towers fell, and though there are people who think it took too long to rebuild, the result shows it was time well-spent.
I had the privilege of standing on the observation deck of the World Trade Center in 1983 with my then young family. Though you can’t go up the Freedom Tower, it’s as amazing as the original buildings were and even more beautiful. As you pass the footprints of the twin rowers, with the rushing waters and names of the fallen, you are struck by the white roses stuck by a name every few feet. Turns out they are placed there each day by the staff on what would have been that person’s birthday. And if that isn’t enough to evoke a tear, just wait until you go inside.
The underground space is vast. Amid the muted colors and soft lighting are displays of twisted metal, burned-out fire trucks and a staircase that meant the difference between life and death that day. All around you are the pictures of those who lived and those who died, punctuated by their calls for help or to say goodbye mixed with the voices of the heroes trying desperately to save them. It’s a memorial truly worthy of the word.
KATHLEEN C. BUTLER
Wichita
Political reasons
Does President Obama do anything without checking the political waters?
We all know he wants to give amnesty to illegals. We also know that if he did it before the midterm elections there would be many Democratic senators who would have to try to distance themselves from his actions.
So nothing this president does is for the good of the American people. It is only for political reasons.
His actions are disgraceful to the Office of the President. Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush were all respected by other nations. Obama has made the United States a laughingstock around the world.
Why should Russian President Vladimir Putin, al-Qaida, ISIS or anyone fear the U.S. with him at the helm? But the real culprit is an electorate that put this unqualified man into office not once but twice.
Even Hillary Clinton is trying to distance herself from him – also for political aspirations. But we won’t forget Benghazi.
RON PAGE
Derby
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This story was originally published September 10, 2014 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Letters on Sept. 11 memorial, Obama."